Amish Beard: Everything You Need To Know

Certain beard styles have always drawn more attention than others in terms of the uniqueness and confidence they inspire.

One of them is the Amish beard. Thick, long and wild, who wouldn’t like it?

Judging from the study a few years ago, ladies and guys love this full beard. In this study, the full beard was the most popular.

And that was a few years ago when beards weren’t even a thing like today—impressive full beards, like the Amish beard, command respect and attention.

Whether you can’t grow a mustache or prefer your facial hair mustache-free but still amazing, this is the style for you.

Besides showing you how to grow and shape this beard, in this detailed guide, we also bring you 15 incredible Amish facial hair styles to try today.

What Is an Amish Beard

Amish beard is a style of facial hair consisting only of the beard. It does not include a mustache. It appears as a full, long hair growth over the chin and jaw. The hair meets with the sideburns but does not have a mustache. This beard style usually comes with deep religious undertones. It is also one easy way to determine those in the Amish community.

Amish Beard Traditions

The tradition of wearing an Amish beard comes straight out of the bible. The book of Leviticus says:  “Do not cut the hair at the sides of your head or clip off the edges of your beard.”

The Amish take the interpretation of these words very literally and believe that God has told them not to cut off their facial hair.
At the same time, the Amish beard is a sign of manhood, as only married guys can grow one.

What a beard stands for is that a man is taken, acts as a substitute for wedding rings, and is a symbol of marriage. The boys that have not taken a wife don’t get to grow a beard, not even beards for weak chins until they get married.

A beard also signifies masculinity in Amish culture and is supposed to say that a person has matured and has become the head of the household.

Marriage is sacred to the Amish and the beard is supposed to solidify that bond even further. So having a beard is a sign of honor and respect for the Amish.

Also, the beard is supposed to signify humility in front of God. Those that have grown a beard have also humbled them in the eyes of their lord and have submitted themselves to its servitude.

An Amish then views himself as a mortal who has been given the right to live in God’s divine universe. They believe in the word of God, which they do not question as these are the beliefs they live by as opposed to everyone else.

Features of the Traditional Amish Beard

One of the most prominent features of the traditional Amish beard is the lack of a mustache. If you want to grow this beard style, take note of the length and shape of the facial hair first. The following distinguishable features of the traditional Amish beard should also serve as your guideline:

  • Absence of soul patch or mustache
  • A thick beard that tends to be more than six inches long
  • Long beard, which you have to connect to the sideburns
  • Clean-shaven areas surrounding the cheeks and mouth provide a more traditional look to the beard.

Aside from that, the Amish beard may also let you trim the sides and maintain longer hair around the chin.

History of the Amish Beard

Photographer: Donald Reese

Why Do Amish Men Wear Beards Without Mustaches

Their leader and founder, Jakob Amman, set the Amish beard rules and gave the people their names. He believed that since God created men with the possibility of growing a beard, it was God’s will for them to carry one all the time.

So basically, shaving off your beard is viewed as a sin. However, you have probably failed to notice at first, but an Amish beard does not include a mustache.

It is an ultimate beard style without a mustache, as the Amish need to grow a full beard but shave off the mustache. The tradition of removing their mustaches comes from the 17th and 18th centuries.

It was during this period that the soldiers in the British Army were required to grow a mustache. They took this tradition from the French as it signified strength and virility for the soldiers and the entire army.

Something that lots of groups followed, including a specific dress code as well. However, the Amish are pacifist and, as such, do not engage in any violent affairs or aggressive acts. They are forbidden to have and wear any signs that may correlate to aggression.

Since the mustache was a type of tradition in the army, which itself imbues violence, the Amish have chosen not to wear a mustache, which is forbidden in their culture.

These reasons prevent them from growing even a short mustache according to their society and can pose a problem for those that disobey these orders.

Most Popular Amish Beard Styles

Amish beard has several other versions or variations that you can try. It means that it lets you choose from a wide array of styles, including the following:

Dapper Amish Beard

It is a dapper and more handsome version of the Amish beard style. This style requires constant grooming, making it ideal for professionals who prefer stylish yet well-kept facial hair.

Amish Farmer

If you want to wear the Amish beard style to showcase society’s famous work ethic, then the Amish farmer is ideal. It resembles the look of traditional carpenters and farmers in the Amish community. The good thing about this facial hair inspired by the Amish is that it does not need a lot of maintenance. You can sport this style by letting your beard grow out untrimmed.

Amish Plus Mustache

This style is ideal for you if you want to grow an Amish beard while still preferring the look of having a mustache. Yes, traditional beards in this community lack a mustache, but that should not stop you from adding one if you wish. You can grow a mustache together with your Amish beard as a means of updating this traditional look.

Pointed Beard

You can also go for the pointed beard style. All you have to do is trim your Amish-inspired facial hair so that it sports a pointed and stylish shape. It’s a great way to blend the traditional Amish culture with the modern trend.

Sculpted Amish

This is another significant variation of the Amish-inspired facial hair style. It is an excellent style to sport if you want the traditional look combined with a well-groomed and perfectly shaped beard. You can keep up with the new lumberjack trend by sporting the sculpted version of the Amish beard.

Long Amish Beard

If you are not too bothered by the length of your beard, allow it to grow for as long as you want. The good thing about going for the Amish beard style is that it will enable you to increase your facial hair to your desired length, no matter how long. You can also grow it by sticking to the no-mustache rule or by still having one.

Traditional Amish Beard

If you want to stick to the more traditional Amish style, then go for this style. It requires you to shave the part where the mustache is, then let your beard grow freely.

Amish-Inspired Hipster Beard

The versatility of the Amish facial hair style is unquestionable, as you can also sport a hipster look from it. All you have to do is to maintain its well-trimmed and clean look.

Alaskan Whaler

For this beard style, expect to showcase a more traditional look inspired by the Amish. The beard is full and long beneath the chin and does not come with a mustache.

Amish Plus Waxed Mustache

Another Amish facial hair you can sport together with a mustache is the Amish plus waxed. All it takes is to grow an Amish beard with a mustache that you must wax into a stylish handlebar. It is perfect if you must attend an occasion and prefer a well-groomed look.

Barely There

You can also sport this barely-there style, accompanied by a nice-looking stubble that can perfectly frame your face. You can go for that beard shape inspired by the Amish but ensure that the shadow level stays at 5 o’clock to showcase this look successfully.

Old-School Amish

This style resembles the traditional Amish and the Lincoln style. Make sure to grow a full beard without overly grooming it. This style also lacks the mustache, which is the trademark of the Amish beard.

Closely Cut

It is the perfect choice for you if you are one of those who love the Amish beard shape while also being in favor of closely cropped facial hair. With the closely cut beard style, you can achieve the two looks. It is a great style, especially if your facial hair is sparse.

Full and Bushy

The full and bushy style gives you a flourishing beard without a mustache. All it takes to have this style is to allow your beard to grow at its full length and thickness.

Abraham Lincoln

You can also go for the Amish beard style popularized by Abraham Lincoln. This iconic style looks good on almost everyone.

Benefits of Growing the Amish Beard

If you are interested in growing a long, lumberjack beardyou might want to try the Amish beard style. Here are some of the most incredible benefits of increasing this style:

Allows You to Sport Thick and Full Facial Hair

Thicker facial hair looks fuller, and that’s what you can expect the Amish beard to showcase. It looks great, especially if you want your beard to look thick and full.

Shows Masculinity

The fact that the Amish beard is characterized by full and thick facial hair can help show your masculinity. It is also a great way to represent a couple of good traits of Amish men, including humility and manhood.

Strongly Connected to Peace

Amish people are known for being peace lovers and pacifists. With that, you can see the Amish beard lacking in mustache as a symbol of not wanting to get associated with the military.

The Amish shave off their mustache to prove they are unconnected to the military and are more concerned about peace. You can grow an Amish beard to represent this virtue and show how much you love maintaining the peace around you.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Suitable for different shapes of heads and faces
  • Easy to pull off as long as you want your beard to grow thick and long without a mustache
  • Easy to grow and maintain
  • Low maintenance since you need to maintain the outline of the facial hair

Cons

  • Not a suitable beard style for anyone who works in a somewhat strict work environment
Why Amish Men Grow This Type of Beards

Photographer: Donald Reese

How to Grow and Maintain the Amish Beard

The Amish beard consists of a long bushy beard without a mustache or a soul patch and does involve various beard growth stages.
Some people outside the Amish culture took on them to restyle the beard and have worn it similarly to the Amish.

If you plan on growing this type of beard, then you should do the following:

Step 1 – Let your beard grow

This may take some time, but it usually depends on your ability to grow a beard and allowing it to reach the beard’s terminal length.
Be sure to shave the mustache off and the soul patch during that period.

To help the beard grow faster, you can boost the growth by nourishing it and applying some healthy products.
You can use some vitamins or amla beard oil for growth.

Step 2 – Wash your beard from time to time

It is okay if you wash it with beard soap, as you are not supposed to clean it with regular soap or body wash. A good beard shampoo is also good, as it is an excellent beard cleanser.

Step 3 – Trim and brush your beard

Trim your beard regularly and brush it so you create an octopus-like beard. Remove the mustache as soon as it grows out or shave it regularly.

Growing this type of beard is a commitment and requires almost military-like discipline. You can use a good product or oils to soften it, but you can’t wear any jewelry with it. The more knowledge you have about the references of the style, the better you will be able to shape it.

Quick Grooming Tips for Amish Beards

Amish men may not have a modern grooming technique to maintain their beards, but they do have their ways. You will notice that they are pretty soft and nurtured, showing that they care for it and are proud of having one.

To help you get a similar or a near-perfect beard like the Amish have, there are a few things that you can do:

Use Bread Growth Vitamins

Vitamins A, C, D, E and biotin are perfect for nourishment and should help you get a healthier and stronger beard.

Employ the Use of a Derma Roller

This handy tool is supposed to open up your pores and stimulate your skin for improved beard growth.

Get a Good Beard Growth Oil

Using a beard oil or beard balm will not only help with the growth of the beard, but it will also make it look shiny and healthy.

Always Shave the Mustache Area and Your Soul Patch

It is vital in getting the Amish look.

Trim Your Beard From Time to Time

You want to eliminate stray hairs at the end of the beard and the sides so it does not biome too bushy.

Use a Beard Brush or Comb

This practice helps remove broken hair and dead cells from your face and enables you to clean your beard, as a lot of dirt can get stuck in a big beard like an Amish beard.

Do’s and Don’ts With Amish Beard

  • Shave off the mustache regularly. If possible, do the shaving every day. It is necessary to ensure that no stubble remains visible.
  • Comb your beard. The Amish beard needs to be well-combed. Make sure that its length is not disrupted in any way, too.
  • Clean your beard regularly. Use warm water to clean and remove all dirt and debris.
  • Do not set limitations on the length. Remember that the Amish beard allows you to grow it to your desired length, so avoid setting any limitations. You can let it grow for as long as you want.
  • Do not forget to trim, though. While you can grow an Amish beard based on your desired length, remember that slight trimming is still advisable. It can help your beard stay in shape.
  • Do not forget to use beard oil or moisturizer. It is essential in keeping your Amish beard look moisturized and full.

FAQ

Why do Amish men grow this type of beard?

So why is this facial hair style associated so closely with Amish men?

To better understand the concept, you need to know that a beard for the Amish man represents a symbol of manhood, humility and husband-ship.

Amish do not exchange traditional wedding rings when married; they stop shaving their beards forever.

There is no mustache in the Amish facial hair because they associate mustaches with the military. Because Amish people are pacifists, they shave off their mustache to show their non-connection to anything military.

They also feel the mustache can tempt the men towards vanity and waxing up the facial hair is something this group will not tolerate.

This devout bunch of men takes their scriptures very seriously and they can point out many references in the Bible that talk about the virtues of wearing a beard, Jesus’’ case in point.

A Bible verse that supports their claims is Leviticus 19:27. It says: Do not cut hair at the sides of the head or clip off edges of the beard.

Who can sport the Amish beard?

According to both Beardstyle and Beardsapp websites, anyone who is willing to shave off their mustache is a prime candidate for the Amish beard.

Who Can Sport the Amish Beard

Although the egg-shaped heads are the perfect choice for the Amish facial hair style, if you are willing to let your beard grow long with a shaved mustache, you can pull off this look effortlessly.

You don’t have to be a firm believer in all the religious connotations associated with the beard; you have to be willing to commit to letting your beard grow wild and long.

This is not the ideal facial hair style for those employed in rigorous working environments.

Do single Amish men have beards?

Traditionally, not all Amish men can grow their beards. Only those about to get married should stop shaving their beard to let the facial hair grow out. In most cases, beard growth signifies that an Amish has become a man because of his getting married. You can also see older single men in the Amish community who grow their beards at one point but note that the specifics for this vary on a case-to-case basis.

What does the beard symbolize in the Amish community?

A beard is a sign of masculinity and piety in the Amish community. Only married men are allowed to grow a beard representing them becoming the head of the household and their servitude to God as well.

What does the Amish beard say about you?

If you grow an Amish beard, you will be glad to know that it has positive connotations. One thing that it can say about you is your masculinity. This beard style has such a masculine look that it will surely enhance your appeal. Aside from that, it also says something about your humility and your unique personality.

What facial shape fits the Amish beard the most?

Amish beard perfectly fits those with oval-shaped faces. Growing this type of beard on those with long facial shapes can further elongate the face.

Can Amish men shave?

Mature Amish men can shave only their mustache area and soul patch. They are not allowed to shave their beards. However, Amish boys who are not yet married can completely shave off their facial hair.

Can Amish men cut their hair?

Yes, they can. They can cut their hair but must keep it trimmed and conservative. Any extravagant styles are entirely forbidden. This also means they can’t have goatees on their chin, curly whiskers, wavy beards or an elegant hairstyle.

What happens if an Amish man can’t grow facial hair?

Since the rule stands that a married man is not supposed to shave, he will still abide by the rules if he can’t grow a bushy beard. As long as he does not try to remove the beard on his own accord and allow it to grow as much as it can, it is still okay.

Vinnie - Barber

About the author: Vinnie – Barber

Vinnie is one of the members of the Beardoholic writers team. He’s also a barber and hairstylist for 15 years now and he has a kick-ass beard of his own, so he surely knows what makes a magnificent beard and hair and how to achieve them. He’s our go-to guy for all the latest beard and hairstyle trends and he always has a tip or two on how to grow and style a thick beard fast.

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